ALTAR AS A PLACE OF DIVINE ENCOUNTER

Title: ALTAR AS A PLACE OF DIVINE ENCOUNTER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 28:10-19
Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:1-6, 1 Kings 18:30-39, Acts 9:3-6, Hebrews 13:10

INTRODUCTION:
An altar is a spiritual meeting point where humanity encounters divinity. It is a place of divine communication, revelation, and covenant establishment. Throughout Scripture, altars signify moments of transformation, breakthroughs, and divine visitation. Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel serves as a powerful example of how altars are pivotal in our spiritual walk. Every believer must understand the importance of raising, maintaining, and engaging altars for divine encounters.

1. WHAT IS AN ALTAR?

a) Definition of an Altar
An altar is a consecrated place of worship and spiritual transaction (Genesis 8:20).

b) Characteristics of a Godly Altar
It is built to honour God, serve as a place of prayer, and invite His presence (Exodus 20:24).

c) Types of Altars
Personal altars, family altars, and corporate altars (Joshua 24:15).

d) Altars in the Old and New Testaments
In the Old Testament, altars were physical structures; in the New Testament, our hearts serve as spiritual altars (Hebrews 13:10).

e) Biblical Example: Noah built an altar to the Lord after the flood, and God established a covenant with him (Genesis 8:20-22).

2. THE PURPOSE OF AN ALTAR

a) A Place of Divine Encounter
Altars create an atmosphere for God to reveal Himself (Genesis 28:12-13).

b) A Place of Sacrifice and Worship
Sacrifices offered at the altar signify total surrender and honour to God (Genesis 22:9-12).

c) A Place of Covenant Establishment
Altars are where God makes and confirms covenants with His people (Genesis 15:9-18).

d) A Place of Spiritual Warfare
Godly altars empower believers to confront and overcome spiritual battles (1 Kings 18:30-39).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham built altars to the Lord at key moments of his journey, signifying trust and worship (Genesis 12:7-8).

3. ENCOUNTERING GOD AT THE ALTAR

a) The Role of Faith in Divine Encounters
Faith activates the presence and power of God at the altar (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Consecration Prepares the Altar for Divine Encounters
Holiness and purity invite God’s presence (Exodus 3:5).

c) Waiting on God at the Altar
Encounters require a heart of expectation and patience (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Prayer and Worship at the Altar
Consistent prayer and worship create an environment for divine revelation (Psalm 22:3).

e) Biblical Example: Moses encountered God at the burning bush, a divine altar, and received his calling (Exodus 3:1-6).

4. HOW TO BUILD A PERSONAL ALTAR FOR DIVINE ENCOUNTERS

a) Dedicate a Sacred Space
Choose a quiet and consecrated location for communion with God (Matthew 6:6).

b) Consecrate Yourself to God
Purity and dedication invite God’s presence (Romans 12:1).

c) Engage the Word of God
Study and meditate on the Scriptures at the altar (Joshua 1:8).

d) Offer Sacrifices of Praise and Worship
Thanksgiving and adoration invoke God’s presence (Hebrews 13:15).

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius, through prayer and almsgiving, built a spiritual altar that attracted God’s attention (Acts 10:1-4).

5. SUSTAINING DIVINE ENCOUNTERS THROUGH THE ALTAR

a) Consistency in Fellowship
Maintain a daily routine of prayer and worship at the altar (Psalm 55:17).

b) Guard Against Sin
Sin defiles the altar and hinders divine encounters (Isaiah 59:1-2).

c) Engage in Spiritual Disciplines
Fasting, prayer, and studying God’s word keep the altar aflame (Leviticus 6:12-13).

d) Renew Your Covenant with God
Regularly reaffirm your commitment to God (Psalm 50:5).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord and called down fire, symbolising revival and restoration (1 Kings 18:30-39).

CONCLUSION:
The altar is a significant place for divine encounters. It is where destinies are revealed, battles are won, and covenants are established. Every believer must prioritise building and maintaining a vibrant altar to continually experience God’s presence and power. Commit to seeking God at the altar, and He will manifest Himself in your life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, help me to build a personal altar that attracts Your presence.

2. Lord, repair every broken altar in my life and family.

3. Holy Spirit, ignite fresh fire on my altar of prayer.

4. I break every satanic influence over my altar in Jesus’ name.

5. Lord, make my altar a place of constant divine encounter.

6. Father, empower me to sustain my fellowship with You.

7. I dedicate my life as a living sacrifice at Your altar.

8. Lord, reveal Your plans and purpose for my life at the altar.

9. Father, let Your fire consume every strange power contending with my altar.

10. Lord, establish an unbroken covenant with me at Your altar.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your altar shall burn with fresh fire from Heaven!

2. Every broken altar in your life is repaired in Jesus’ name!

3. Divine encounters shall be your portion at your altar.

4. The voice of God shall be clear to you as you seek Him.

5. You will experience supernatural breakthroughs at the altar of prayer.

6. No power of darkness will hinder your divine encounters.

7. Your family altar shall become a place of miracles and testimonies.

8. The Lord will establish His covenant with you and your household.

9. Every strange altar working against you is destroyed by fire!

10. The presence of God shall continually abide at your altar!